Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding Soup)
On December 11, 2023 by userMinestra Maritata, also known as Italian Wedding Soup, is a classic Italian dish that combines green vegetables, small pasta, and meat. Despite the name, the term “maritata” doesn’t refer to a marriage ceremony but rather the “marriage” of flavors between the ingredients. Here’s a recipe for Minestra Maritata:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as orzo or small acini di pepe)
- 6 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
a. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
b. Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
a. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
b. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
c. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
d. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through.
3. Add Pasta and Greens:
a. Stir in the small pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked according to the package instructions.
b. Add the chopped spinach or escarole and cook until wilted.
4. Season and Serve:
a. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
b. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include meatballs, pasta, and greens in each serving.
c. Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your Minestra Maritata, a comforting and hearty Italian soup! It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day.